Team Profile – Croatia
On the back of a roller coaster qualifying series, Croatia has left us all completely unsure as to what we should expect from them when the World Cup begins. During the beginning of their qualifying campaign, they were rivalling the Belgians for the top spot of Group A, going 6 games undefeated. Things changed very quickly for the Croatians though, as they could only pick up a point in their final 4 games, forcing them to earn their spot through a playoff tie with Iceland. With the amount of quality in this side, one can only describe Croatia’s campaign as disappointing.
Where Croatia will need to do the most work on the pitch is in the attacking third. With the quality they possess, they should be delivering much more. The likes of Modric, Rakitic, and Kovacic in the middle of the park, paired with a World Class striker like Mario Mandzukic should simply be putting the ball more in the net than what they are. Defensively they’re pretty sound, with Southampton’s Dejan Lovren and Vedran Ćorluka forming a formidable centre-half pairing. However, the left back position is a bit of a disaster with the forgotten Daniel Pranjic receiving a call-up after first choice Ivan Strinic was ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Manager: Niko Kovac
The former Croatian International now turned manager has only been in charge for a short period, but his current record looks pretty good. After 4 games in charge at the highest level, he’s yet to lose a game and if we count his stint as the manager of the Croatian U21’s it becomes an impressive 9 games undefeated. Though this all likely to change at the World Cup, having a man like Kovac who knows how to get the job done will be pivotal if Croatia are to progress in the tournament.
Star player: Luka Modrić
Luka Modric has gradually become one of the most dynamic central-midfielders in the world. With the ball at his feet, he has the ability to dictate the tempo of a match, and effortlessly create goalscoring opportunities for teammates. Modric is also capable of scoring goals from distance, from both open play and in set piece situations. Modric is also very good without the ball, possessing the ability to press and win the football back from opposition players. All in all, a very complete midfielder who’s capable of guiding Croatia to success.
Look out for:
Ivan Rakitić
Much like Modric, Rakitic has become one of the best playmakers in world football, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid after his signature for next season. He’s able to pick a pass both long and short with both feet, and is lethal in set piece situations.
Mario Mandžukić:
After scoring 8 goals in qualifying, the 27 year-old Bayern Munich star demonstrated first hand that he’s a clinical finisher and also possesses significant aerial prowess in front of goal. However, he will miss the opener against Brazil through suspension, which could prove vital if Croatia are to progress past the group stages.
The Draw:
The Croatians have the daunting task of being grouped against Brazil, in Brazil. However, with Mexico and Cameroon the other teams making up the group, they’re still a fighting chance to qualify from the group stages.
Prediction:
I think Croatia have enough quality to finish second in this group, however I don’t feel they’ll be strong enough to beat the runner up in Group B. So, I’ll say a round of 16 exit at the hands of the Chileans.
FTSAUS Fact:
The Croatian team was only formed in 1991, with their first official win coming in 1994?
Previous best appearance:
1998, finished third. This was Croatia’s debut in the World Cup too.
Updated 23 man squad:
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov/RUS), Danijel Subasic (Monaco/FRA), Oliver Zelenika (Lokomotiva Zagreb)
Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa/ITA), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos/GRE), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), Dejan Lovren (Southampton/ENG), Gordon Schindelfeld (Panathinaikos/GRE)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ESP), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla/ESP), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan/ITA), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka), Sammir (Getafe/ESP)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich/GER), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City/ENG), Ivica Olic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Eduardo Da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Ivan Perisic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina/ITA)
